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"~iiiATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION SIXTY SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT

NCC AR 1967 vol.l

74438

CAPITAL COMMISSION SIXTY SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT

THE SIXTY SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION • • F R THE YEAR COMMENCING APRIL 1ST 1966 AND ENDING T MARCH 1967 PART ONE NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION OTTAWA. CANADA

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN

Ottawa, , 20 June, 1967

The Honourable George J. Mcllraith, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of Public Works, Ottawa, Ontario.

Dear Mr. Minister,

On behalf of the National Capital Commission and in accordance with Section (85)3 of the Financial Administration Act, I have the honour to transmit herewith Part I of the Annual Report of the National Capital Commission for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1967.

Part II of the report, including the financial statements of the Commission for the year 1966-67 and the report of the Auditor General of Canada will be forwarded to you as soon as it becomes available.

Respectfully submitted,

(Sgd.) S. F. Clark, (Lt.-Gen.),

Chairman. THE NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION

MINISTER RESPONSIBLE The Honourable George J. Mcllraith, P.C., Q.C., M.P. Minister of Public Works

CHAIRMAN Lt.-Gen. S. Findlay Clark, C.B.E., C.D., B.Sc. (E.E.), B.Sc. (M.E.), M.E.I.C., P.Eng., , Ontario

VICE-CHAIRMAN A. John Frost, F.C.A., B.Com., C.F.A...... , Manotick, Ontario

COMMISSIONERS D'Arcy Audet, M.I.R.A.C., P.Q.A.A., O.A.A. • Hull, J.-Eugene Bissonnette, M.D. . . Quebec, Quebec Wilfrid Carr . . • . . . . Ottawa, Ontario Gerald J. Gaudet, B.Arch., P.Eng. Moncton, New Brunswick Maj.-Gen. Howard Kennedy, M.C., C.B.E., M.E.I.C., F.E. . Rockcliffe Park, Ontario Warnett Kennedy, A.R.I.B.A., A.M.T.P.I., P.I.B.C., M.S.I.A. Vancouver, British Columbia Jean-Claude La Haye, B.A., B.Com., M.C.P., C.U.Q., M.I.U.C., A.A.P.D.Q. . . . . , Quebec Mrs. B. Earle MacDonald ...... Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island Auguste Martineau, M.I.R.A.C., P.Q.A.A., O.A.A. . . Ottawa, Ontario P. Joseph Moran, B.Sc., (Agr.) . . . . . Regina, Saskatchewan Clifford A. L. Murchison, Q.C., B.A., LL.B. . . Ottawa, Ontario Mrs. James P. Norrie, B.A. . Truro, Nova Scotia Kenneth K. Paget, B.Sc...... Calgary, Alberta Alan R. Philp, B.A., LL.B. Fort Garry, Manitoba D. Wallace Stewart, B.Sc., P.Eng. . . Renfrew, Ontario Graham F. Towers, C.M.G., B.A., LL.D., D.G.L. Rockcliffe Park, Ontario Mrs. Walter A. Tucker Grand Falls, Newfoundland (one vacancy)

COMMISSIONERS WHOSE TERM OF OFFICE EXPIRED FEBRUARY 5, 1967 The Commission wishes to express its appreciation to the six members whose terms of office expired on the 5th of February, 1967. They are: Prof. Anthony A. Adamson (Vice-Chairman), M.A., F.R.A.I.C., M.T.P.I.C. . Port Credit, Ontario Louis M. Bloomfield, Q.C., B.A., LL.M., LL.D. Montreal, Quebec J. Hans S. Geggie, B.A., M.D., C.M., D.A. . . Wakefield, Quebec Charles H. Hulse ...... Ottawa, Ontario Frank J. E. Martin, B.Sc., F.R.A.I.C., P.Eng. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Walter A. Tucker, M.B.E., C.D., R.I.A. . . Grand Falls, Newfoundland COMMITTEES OF THE COMMISSION

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (5 members) Lieutenant-General S. Findlay Clark, Chairman Major-General Howard Kennedy Mr. A. John Frost, Vice-Chairman Mr. Auguste Martineau Mr. D'Arcy Audet

LAND COMMITTEE (6 members) Lieutenant-General S. Findlay Clark, Chairman Major-General Howard Kennedy Mr. A. John Frost Mr. J. Nelson Morin Mr. Alan K. Hay Mr. Philip S. Secord

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DESIGN (10 members) Professor Anthony A. Adamson, Acting Chairman Mr. Jean-L. Lalonde Mr. D'Arcy Audet Mr. Hart Massey Mr. Jean Gareau Mr. Donald W. Graham Dr. Thomas Howarth Mr. David E. Crinion Mr. Jean Issalys Mr. Gilles Marchand

INFORMATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (5 members) Mr. Frank R. Crawley, Chairman Mr. Norman A. Dann Mr. Dan Wallace (one vacancy) Mr. Bernard Brouillet

HISTORICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (20 members) Dr. Louis M. Bloomfield, Q.C., Chairman Mr. Marc Laterreur Dr. J.-Eugene Bissonnette Dr. Robert F. Legget Mrs. Frank R. Crawley Mr. Eric W. Morse Mr. Egide Dandenault Mr. Augustin Potvin Mr. David L. M. Farr Mr. Arthur J. H. Richardson Mr. William E. Fancott Mr. Donald Ritchie Mr. William E. D. Halliday The President of the Ottawa Historical Society Dr. Robert H. Hubbard (four vacancies) Dr. W. Kaye Lamb

GATINEAU PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE (5 members) Mr. D'Arcy Audet, Chairman Dr. Louis Lemieux Mr. Eric W. Morse (one vacancy) Mr. Gavin Henderson

AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (5 members) Dr. Grant M. Carman, Chairman Mr. Richard C. Hodges Dr. Peter C. Stobbe (two vacancies) In 1965, a re-organization of the Commission's branches and services was undertaken and this is now complete. It has provided the means for more economic and efficient operation in the initiation of planning, the preparation of operational budgets and the implementation of programmes which are designed to meet the objectives of the Commission. A key factor in the success of this programme was the appointment of two Assistant General Managers; one responsible for the planning and design functions of the Commission, and the other responsible for the execution of approved projects and the varied res­ ponsibilities of maintaining and operating Commission properties and government lands. Within this new framework, essential staff services are provided by the Finance and Administration Branch. OFFICERS OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION

CHAIRMAN: Lt.-Gen. S. Findlay Clark

VICE-CHAIRMAN: A. John Frost

GENERAL MANAGER: Eric W. Thrift

SECRETARY: J.-Edouard Handy

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER, ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER, PLANNING AND DESIGN BRANCH OPERATIONS BRANCH Robert M. Leary Henry A. Davis

DIRECTOR, PLANNING AND URBAN DESIGN DIVISION MANAGER, FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION Douglas L. McDonald James A. MacNiven

DIRECTOR, PROJECT DESIGN DIVISION MANAGER, PROPERTY DIVISION Don W. Pettit Frank S. Marshall

MANAGER, CONTROL AND SERVICES DIVISION SUPERINTENDANT, PARK John W. P. Cole Alan R. Ede

DIRECTOR-GENERAL, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Marcel Couture

MANAGER, FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION MANAGER, PERSONNEL DIVISION Joe E. Kirchner Gerard Chartrand

DIRECTOR, INFORMATION AND HISTORICAL DIVISION J.-Maurice Landry CONSTITUTION OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION The National Capital Commission is a Crown Corporation, operating under powers set out in the National Capital Act which received assent on September 6, 1958 and which was proclaimed on February 6, 1959. The Commission is the successor to the Ottawa Improvement Commission (1899-1927) and the Federal District Commission ( 1927-1959). OBJECTS AND PURPOSES The objects and purposes of the Commission are defined in Section 10(1) of the National Capital Act. The Commission's responsibilities are: "to prepare plans for and assist in the development, conservation and improvement of the National Capital Region in order that the character and seat of the may be in accordance with its national significance". An important aspect of the work of the Commission is its work in co-ordinating planning with local governments within the 1800-square mile National Capital Region. The Commission deals with 72 local municipal authorities operating in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. COMPOSITION The Commission is composed of twenty members. One is appointed from each of the ten provinces. In addition there is a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, at least two members from the , at least one from the City of Hull, at least one member from a Quebec municipality in the National Capital Region other than Hull and at least one member from an Ontario municipality in the National Capital Region other than Ottawa. The Chairman is the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission and presides at all meetings. In his absence this duty is exercised by the Vice-Chairman. The Governor-in-Council designates both these officers as well as the General Manager. The Commission must meet at least three times a year in Ottawa. POWERS AND LIMITATIONS The Commission operates within limits prescribed in the National Capital Act, the Financial Administra­ tion Act and other government directives. The basic role of the Commission is to plan for and assist in the development of the National Capital. In furthering plans and projects which have been approved by the Governor-in-Council, it can acquire and develop property, construct and maintain roads, parks, bridges and other public works. It can undertake joint projects, make grants for various purposes, administer historic buildings and construct and operate concessions. The plans, projects and expenditures of the Commission require government approval. Before the Com­ mission acquires any property valued at over $25,000, or sells property valued at more than $10,000 the approval of the Governor-in-Council must be obtained through the Treasury Board. Approval of the Governor-in-Council is required before the Commission may take or acquire lands without the consent of the owner. Authority from the Governor-in-Council must be sought and granted before the Commission enters into property leases of more than five years, when it makes grants, shares in joint projects or undertakes construction. Treasury Board approval is also necessary for the awarding of all major contracts. COMMITTEES OF THE COMMISSION

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The composition of this Committee, with responsibilities delegated by the Commission, is dictated by the National Capital Act. Its membership includes the Chairman and Vice-Chairman as "ex officio" members. Three Commissioners are appointed by the Commission. It meets about once a month to authorize administrative expenditures and to make administrative decisions within policies approved by the Commission.

THE LAND COMMITTEE Made up of six experts in property matters, this Committee advises the Commission on land acquisition and recommends policy in relation to property administration. It usually meets once a month.

THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DESIGN Ten prominent Canadian architects, planners and landscape architects serve on this Committee. It makes recommendations to the Commission on the external appearance of buildings and works to be erected on Federal lands within the National Capital Region. The approval of the Commission is required under Section 11 (3) of the National Capital Act which states "No building or other work shaH be erected, altered or extended by or on behalf of a department in the National Capital Region unless the site, location and plans thereof have first been approved by the Commission". This Committee also deals with site planning and landscaping matters.

THE INFORMATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE This Committee of five members considers all matters related to the information and public relations programme of the Commission. THE HISTORICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Composed of 20 experts on local history, this Committee makes recommendations to the Commission for the preservation, marking and interpretation of historic buildings and sites within the National Capital Region. THE GATINEAU PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Composed of five members, this Committee advises the Commission on the development, improvement and administration of Gatineau Park. THE AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Composed of five members, this Committee advises the Commission on the use and development of land for forestry and agriculture. THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE This Committee is composed of the General Manager, the Assistant General Manager for Operations, the Assistant General Manager for Planning and Design and the Director General of Finance and Administra­ tion. It meets once a week to consider administrative and procedural matters and recommend policies. It makes recommendations to the Chairman for presentation to the Commission. PLANNING AND DESIGN BRANCH

RESPONSIBILITIES The Planning and Design Branch is headed by an Assistant General Manager and functions within six major areas of responsibility. The Branch prepares and maintains general plans for the development of the National Capital Region. It produces specific plans for urban, suburban and rural areas and is responsible for the design of major urban redevelopment projects undertaken by the Federal Government as part of its development of the Capital. The Branch also maintains liaison with the municipalities of the National Capital Region. Research is carried out into all aspects of regional growth and development to provide background data for both long and short range planning. The Branch is responsible for the planning and design of all architecture, engineering and landscaping including traffic structures, parks, squares and parkways owned by or proposed by the Commission. ADVICE TO MUNICIPALITIES In assisting in the development of the National Capital Region the Commission provides technical aid and in some instances financial assistance to municipalities in the region. In the past year, the Commission was represented on the Ottawa Planning Area Board, the Technical Advisory Committee and the Building Appearance Committee of the City of Ottawa. Assistance was given to Gloucester Township in planning matters and Commission staff assisted the Township of March in preparing a Master Plan of Land Use and Roads which subsequently was submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs of Ontario following public hearings. The Commission also aided the Town of Aylmer, Quebec, in preparing its Master Plan which was used as the basis for a zoning by-law. It was also represented on the East of the Gatineau River Planning Committee. This Committee to which the Commission has given financial assistance is conducting studies which will lead to the production of a Master Plan encompassing the towns of Gatineau, Gatineau Point, the Village of Templeton, Touraine, Templeton West, part of Templeton East and Perkins. REGIONAL PLANNING During the past year the Commission broadened the scope of its programme of regional planning. Im­ portant reports dealing with economic prospects, population, employment and land use have been prepared with the assistance of outside advisors. The reports are now being integrated into the long range planning programme. Development beyond the outer perimeter of the , a major concern of the Commission, is under study. A report, prepared by consultants will be evaluated by the Commission and the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation. DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT As the result of studies and plans prepared by the Commission with the help of outside consultants, work has begun on major urban redevelopment projects, at and LeBreton Flats, in down­ town Ottawa. The Commission co-ordinated the efforts of the Federal Government with those of the municipality and private interests in the carrying out of comprehensive redevelopment studies. Traffic congestion has been reduced around Confederation Square by allowing two-way traffic along Rideau and Wellington Streets north of the War Memorial.

CONFEDERATION SQUARE The redevelopment of Confederation Square is underway. Traffic circulation has been improved. Construc­ tion of the is proceeding including a 900-car underground garage which is nearing completion. The City of Ottawa Parking Authority has opened a parking garage at Nicholas and Besserer streets. Other parking structures are proposed to serve Federal Government and private enterprise buildings which will be built in the future in the Confederation Square Redevelopment Project bounded by Elgin, Wellington and Rideau, Mosgrove and Nicholas streets and . Interim landscaping, traffic and servicing designs for the Confederation Square Redevelopment Project are now completed. Termination of rail service to (Centennial Centre) in July, 1966 has allowed the Commission to begin construction of a 1 \14 mile extension of along the east bank of the .

LEBRETON FLATS During 1966 progress has been made in the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats. Most of the land has been cleared and preliminary architectural plans for the National Defence Headquarters buildings, prepared by the Department of Public Works have been co-ordinated with other developments proposed for this area. A new traffic circulation plan has been prepared to serve the proposed National Defence buildings. It is proposed to provide separate access for the use of public transit vehicles. A combined bus terminal and parking structure is being considered. Access to the LeBreton Flats area will be provided by the , a new service road built to parkway standards, and the extension of . Connections to other major east-west arteries suggested in the Ottawa-Hull Area Transportation Study are included.

GATINEAU PARK Gatineau Park is becoming increasingly important in the development of the National Capital Region. Due to the growing demand for services, the Commission has undertaken studies to evolve a long range develop­ ment plan. The three major themes of this plan (recreation, conservation and park programming) will be developed in relation to two factors: the existing capability and the requirement for outdoor recreation which can be expected in the National Capital Region. DESIGN CO-ORDINATION Design and co-ordination of the physical development in the National Capital Region is the work of the Project Design Division. It was recently re-organized into three sections staffed with professional and technical employees dealing with architecture, engineering design and landscape architecture. The Project Design Division provides design services for the Commission, other government departments and, upon request, to municipalities within the National Capital Region. ARCHITECTURE The Architecture Section of the Division is responsible for staff service and advice to the Advisory Com­ mittee on Design in the architectural design co-ordination of existing and proposed Federal Government buildings and structures in the National Capital Region. In the past year the Section completed designs for the amphitheatre built for the Centennial Commission's Sound and Light Festival. It is responsible for the eo-ordination of design work in progress in the Confederation Square and Union Station area east of . Concomitant with this general role, the section continues work in the architectural rehabilitation of Government owned buildings. Plans and designs were provided for buildings facing Confederation Square. The Bank of Canada agreed to landscaping design proposals prepared by the Commission Ior its property bounded by Bank, Sparks, Kent and Wellington streets. Building rehabilitation involving colour schemes and landscaping was carried out in co-operation with the Department of Public Works at the and on other Federal buildings in the Chateau Laurier area. New policies have been developed for use in 1967 in relation to signs, lighting, street furniture, lettering and other graphics used by the Commission. Meetings have been held with City of Ottawa officials with a view to improving the quality of street furniture generally. Several farms, residences and other buildings in the Greenbelt have been redesigned.

ENGINEERING DESIGN The Engineering Design Section began operations in November, I 966. It is now directing the work of consultants for the Ottawa River Parkway - interchange and the construction of a sixteen inch watermain which will service part of the Confederation Square redevelopment. Advisory services and technical assistance are provided for other Commission activities. An important operation has been the preparation of charts, check lists, reports, narratives and forms necessary for the application of the new management systems within the Division.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE The Landscape Architecture Section provided a variety of services to the Commission and other agencies in 1966-67. This ranged from site examination and the preparation of grading and planting designs to the on-site supervision of landscaping operations. Within the 1966-67 development programme, the section prepared site development, grading and mass planting plans for the Parkdale-Wellington Street section of the Ottawa River Parkway. Grading plans were completed for LeBreton Flats. Noise abatement studies, carried out by the Section, resulted in planting and grading operations along the western approaches to the Bridge. Design services provided for other government departments and agencies included site development for the Department of Veterans Affairs Records Building, the Virus Laboratory at Tunney's Pasture, and the Mines and Technical Survey Magnetic Laboratory at Blackburn. Site development plans for 7 Rideau Gate, to be used as a government guest house for visiting foreign dignitaries, have been prepared for implementation in 1967. Landscape design assistance rendered to National Capital Region municipalities included preparation of plans, sketches and rough cost estimates for a number of projects such as the Leamy Lake camp ground and trailer park proposed by the Hull Junior Chamber of Commerce. Park designs were prepared for the City of Eastview and the Village of Quyon. Studies have been carried out for the Town of Gatineau which could lead to the development of a water recreation park at Lac Beauchamp. Planters have been designed by the Landscape Design Section based on the Centennial Symbol theme. These have been used by the Centennial Commission in a number of municipal projects across Canada. Illumination experiments were carried out at Prince of Wales Falls (Hog's Back).

THE OPERATIONS BRANCH

RESPONSIBILITIES The Operations Branch, headed by an Assistant General Manager, performs six major functions. It undertakes works in implementation of long range development programmes. It carries out land acquisi­ tion, construction projects and provides technical advice and services to other Commission branches. Part of its responsibility is the operation and maintenance of all Commission properties to ensure maximum revenues are obtained. The Branch operates and maintains all parks, parkways and government properties entrusted to the Commission. Within this framework of responsibility it deals with a multiplicity of projects ranging from the railway relocation programme to the maintenance of floral displays. RAILWAY RELOCATION The railway relocation programme continued to be the largest single project involving the greater part of the Commission's expenditures on construction. Another major part of this scheme was completed in July, 1966 with the opening of the new Ottawa Station at Hurdman's Bridge. Completion of the station, a boiler plant, the car repair shop and a post office mail transfer building, coupled with re-alignment of roads in the Ottawa Station area cleared the way for other activities. Track removal along the east bank of the Rideau Canal permitted completion of the Queensway by October 1966 and the start of work on the Colonel By Drive extension. Of vital importance to the rail operati()n the Centralized Train Control System, was substantially com­ pleted in 1966. Work on "piggyback" facilities for the at the merchandising terminals is well advanced while track relocation work in the Ottawa Station area is still underway and will continue in 1967. At the marshalling yards the (Diesel) Servicing and Repair Shop has been completed. Work is underway on the stock pens and other buildings. NCC forces continue work on the CPR yard which is to be completed in 1967. In concert with these operations, three major contracts for the lowering of the CPR Prescott Sub­ division between the Rideau and Ottawa rivers were completed in 1966. Tracks were laid but ballasting operations and connection to the Prince of Wales Bridge on the Ottawa River and to the CPR tracks along the remain as projects for 1967. Study of a proposal to remove the Beachburg Subdivision from Wass Junction to Hurdman's Bridge was dealt with in a report of a consulting engineering firm engaged by the City of Ottawa. The Consultants reported that while the move was feasible, substantial costs would be involved. Half the cost of this study was borne by the Commission. No company representing both railways having been incorporated resulted in the Commission providing separate classification yards for both the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railway companies at the Walkley Road marshalling yard. PARKS AND PARKWAYS The Commission is now building a connection between and the Ottawa River Parkway immediately west of McEwen and Edgewood A venues. Included is an overpass to carry over the parkway. The City of Ottawa is meeting half of the cost of this structure which is due for completion by July·l, 1967. Construction work on the Ottawa River Parkway from to the Wellington Street junction was accelerated in 1966. When completed, it will be possible to drive along this scenic route from Wellington Street to Carling Avenue, a distance of about 8.7 miles. During the past year, contracts were awarded for seven major structures. Three of these, a 40 foot arch culvert, the Booth Street overpass and the CPR overpass at the Prince of Wales Bridge are now constructed. Four other structures, two at the Parkdale interchange and two at the upstream side of the tailrace north of Wellington Street are underway. A contract for an eighth structure located immediately west of the National Library and north of Wellington Street is scheduled early in 1967. Preliminary grading has been carried out from Wellington to Parkdale Avenue, and a contract has been awarded for final grading and paving. On the Woodroffe-Parkdale section of the parkway, already in use, landscape development work con­ tinued. Several hundred white pine trees have been placed and planting of daffodils in turfed areas has begun. Extension of Colonel By Drive along the east bank of the Rideau River for 1% miles from Main Street to resulted in the demolition of four old buildings on Rideau Street, the sheds, freight offices and the steam plant at Union Station and the former Department of Transport warehouses on Echo Drive. The parkway is due for completion in June 1967. Other major road construction to be carried out includes the extension of over the Queensway to the Mann-Chapel Street junction as a joint project with the City. When completed the project will eliminate the need for the old Hurdman Road. On , filling and grading operations con­ tinued in low lying areas. Twelve acres near the Bridge were covered with topsoil and seeded. Filling, grading and seeding operations continued along the Rideau River from Hurdman's to Cummings bridges. All low lying land in this area has now been raised above flood level and turfed. New curbs and paving were installed and the landscaped verges were regraded on the Driveway between Laurier Avenue and the Queensway. Landscaping to reduce traffic noise and landscape maintenance continued along the Queensway. Other plantings, principally trees and shrubs, were carried out along the Hull, Quebec approaches to the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge. The Commission also agreed to maintain seven acres of medians and ap­ proaches at the Smyth Road Bridge. REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS In connection with the redevelopment of Confederation Square, work was begun on the "'reconstruction of Wellington and Elgin streets around the National War Memorial, along Elgin from Laurier Avenue to . The exteriors of Commission-owned buildings on Queen, Elgin and Sparks streets were renovated. Placement of fill and seeding operations were carried out in LeBreton Flats to improve the appearance of Commission lands awaiting development. GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS Landscaping operations, principally planting and turf establishment were carried out at the CBC Head­ quarters Building in Confederation Heights. At the National Research Council Labora­ tories, four recent construction sites were rehabilitated. In Tunney's Pasture, the grounds of the Virus Laboratory and Records Building were graded, landscaped and walkways constructed. SURVEYS Consolidation surveys are now in progress in the LeBreton Flats, Ottawa Station and the Macdonald­ CaTtier Bridge areas. The network of horizontal and vertical survey control begun in 1965 has now been extended to cover a total of 230 square miles, taking in Ottawa, the Greenbelt and part of the adjacent townships. This system can now be used for mapping control and boundary references and will go into complete operation following completion of other work by the Department of Energy, Mines· and Resources. Of the some 400 survey monuments utilized in this system, Monument 100, located at Nepean Point, has been selected as the Ottawa site of a survey centennial project. Similar monuments, tied into the National Geodetic Network are being erected in all provincial capitals. Simultaneous dedication cere­ monies to be held in June 1967 will inaugurate a continuous measured line from coast to coast. Air photography, covering 275 square miles and including both Gatineau Park and the Mer Bleue in Ontario has been completed preparatory to future mapping. GATINEAU PARK The importance of Gatineau Park with its 88,300 acres of forest, lakes and rivers is best illustrated by the growing use of its services. Last year 1,504,000 people visited the Park, a 34 percent increase over 1965. Its road system accommodated more than a third of a million vehicles. Some 75,000 visitors were recorded at Moorside. The Commission now owns about 68,000 acres of Gatineau Park. During the past year steps were taken at Edwards and Lusk lakes to improve the game fish habitat. Control dams were built at the outlets to Edwards, Mousseau and Philippe lakes by the Department of Public Works as part of the fisheries management programme. No further developments were undertaken with regard to the recreation areas of Lac Philippe or Lac Lapeche pending formulation of development programmes. In the seventh year of the reforestation programme, II 0,000 seedlings were planted throughout the Park. While skiing remains the most popular winter sport in the Park, the use of motorized over-snow vehicles has gained in popularity. Some 5,200 acres of parkland were set aside for these vehicles last winter. On December 29, 1966, the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Public Works and the National Capital Commission, was pleased to amend the N.C.C. Traffic and Property Regulations to provide for the operation of over-snow vehicles in Gatineau Park and other designated areas, under certain conditions and controls. The rules were given wide publicity. Public safety within the park was stressed. Extensive beach patrol systems are in operation at both Lac Philippe and Lac Lapeche. Recruiting and training of the enlarged beach patrols were carried out in co-operation with the Water Safety Division of the Canadian Red Cross. Equipment now in use includes a stand-by ambulance, new life-guard towers, an inter-beach telephone system, motor-driven patrol boats and loud speaker systems for crowd control. DUTCH ELM DISEASE Part of the forest management programme bears directly on the control of Dutch Elm disease throughout the National Capital Region. Along the lower reaches of the Gatineau Parkway, about 400 trees, killed by this disease, were removed thus eliminating sources of infection. This has been one of the largest single forestry tasks undertaken with the possible exception of the tree planting programme. In the urban areas, the Commission, working in co-operation with the City of Ottawa and Village of Rockcliffe Park has con­ tinued its work identifying and controlling the spread of Dutch Elm disease. Advice on control methods was provided to the Township of Nepean. The incidence of Dutch Elm disease appears to have remained at the same level as it was in the past two years. The results obtained from the experimental use of the systemic insecticide, Bidrin, have been assessed with care. Bidrin has not been used on Commission properties to date. LAND ACQUISITION A decision of the in 1966 held that the Commission had power, under its Act, to expropriate for the purpose of a Green Belt. During the year four properties were expropriated in­ volving 675 acres of land needed for Gatineau Park development. In the same period, the Commission completed 116 transactions involving compensation payable to former owners and other purchases of land committing $10,808,700, compared with 162 transactions in 1965 valued at $11,500,000. The Commission sold 29.40 acres of serviced land to seven industries, thus reducing its developed in­ dustrial land available to industries. Dependent on the availability of funds, new industrial sites could be developed in the Walkley Road area in 1968-69.

PROPERTY ADMINISTRATION Excluding parks and parkways, the Commission is now responsible for the administration of properties valued at more than fifty million dollars. It has leased properties to more than 1,000 tenants and rentals produced gross revenues of $1,300,000 during the year. Rental arrears in 1966 were reduced to 3.4 percent of gross revenues. At the end of the year there were 107 farms and 358 dwellings rented throughout the Greenbelt. As part of the administrative programme, maintenance standards for housing units are being developed and implemented. The exterior of 79 buildings were painted during the year. These included 25 structures in the City, 53 in the Greenbelt and the covered bridge at Masham, Quebec. Near drought conditions which prevailed locally for several years improved in 1966. As a result water deliveries to properties in Gloucester Township declined appreciably. Close co-operation between the RCMP and the police forces of Nepean and Gloucester townships has resulted in a further reduction of littering and of the number of vehicles abandoned on Commission property. In the past year, the Commission has acquired an additional 2,200 acres, formerly a Second World War bombing range in the Mer Bleue, for conservation purposes. Pest control operations were carried out over 2,000 acres and the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests, under its agreement with the Com­ mission planted 328,400 trees. Coupled with the conservation and reforestation programme, three miles of fire breaks were built. Re-organization of the Property Division led to the establishment of a Property Control and Services Section which concentrates stenographic and clerical services into a central unit. A new filing system for 10,000 property files has been introduced.

UNDERGROUND WIRING Subsequent to approval granted by the Government of Canada late in 1965, the National Capital Com­ mission entered into agreements with the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Hydro Electric Commission to participate financially in a programme to remove overhead wiring in the downtown section of the City, particularly in the areas near Parliament Hill and along streets occupied by other government buildings. The total cost of this project is expected to be about $600,000 with the National Capital Commission bearing the major share of $450,000, or about 72 percent of the total. Within the last year, the Commission paid $260,000 to the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Hydro to meet its obligations towards work already carried out. Further payments will be made as the work progresses. INFORMATION AND HISTORICAL DIVISION

THE INFORMATION PROGRAMME

The Information and Historical Division expanded its programmes throughout 1966 to keep the public informed on the work and policies of the Commission through use of radio, press, television, guided tours, lectures and publications.

More than 5,000 pupils from public and separate schools visited the offices of the Division to attend illustrated lectures and view the model outlining the proposals for the development of the National Capital. During the year, the school programme was enlarged through preparation of illustrated slide lectures for use in public and separate primary schools in the Ottawa area.

A total of more than 3,000 people, in groups ranging from 27 to 200 people visited the Information Division Office. When possible, assistance was given in the planning of tours.

Assistance was given to groups planning the . Guides were arranged for a limited number of tours. The Division also participated in the arrangements and organization of concerts at Vincent Massey Park in Ottawa and at Kingsmere in Gatineau Park.

For the sixteenth year, the Commission took part in the "Adventure in Citizenship" programme sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ottawa. More than 240 students from across Canada participated in 1966. The Commission's contribution to this programme involved provision of a guided tour of the National Capital Region, a lecture, a dinner at the Chateau Laurier and a scholarship not exceeding $600. to be applied to first year university tuition. The scholarship is based on an essay contest.

International recognition of the Commission's work was given in a film prepared by the British Information Services for distribution to motion picture and television outlets throughout the Commonwealth.

Publications covering various aspects of the Commission's work were prepared and released in English and in French. Assistance was given to the City of Ottawa Tourist and Convention Bureau in preparing publications.

A special display including the model of the National Capital was exhibited at the Canadian National Exhibition in . It is estimated that more than 40,000 persons viewed this display. Plans were made to provide exhibits during Centennial Year at various locations including the Northwest Territories. THE HISTORICAL PROGRAMME

The National Capital Commission, in its work of assisting m the development of the National Capital Region is interested in the preservation and development of local historic sites. Much of this work is carried out by the Historical Advisory Committee and the Historical Section of the Information and Historical Division.

Liaison with local historical societies was extended in 1966 with the holding of a one day conference. Six societies were represented and valuable information on the history of the region was exchanged. Ties were also strengthened with the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario and with the School of Architecture at the University of Toronto.

Financial grants were continued to assist development of the Mill of Kintail, Canadian Arts and Pioneer Museum at Almonte, Ontario and to Watson's Mill at Manotick, Ontario. A grant was also made to the Historical Society of Ottawa to improve displays at the Museum. The Ottawa River Museum, located in an old dwelling at Jacques Cartier Park, Hull, was opened to the public four days weekly from the beginning of May to the end of September. A grant was also made to the Gatineau Historical Society to assist in the operation of the Moorside tea room and museum.

Much interest was shown in the publication, "City on the Ottawa," published in both French and English editions in 1965. By December, 1966, all 3,000 English copies were sold. A revised edition is now in preparation. A new historical guide to the National Capital Region, "The Ottawa Country," has been written and will be put on sale in 1967.

Documentation of old buildings in the National Capital Region was improved in 1966 through the addition of information sheets and photographs of 75 structures. Four bronze and nine aluminum plaques were designed for placing on historic buildings in and about the Capital. SUMMARY OF OFFICIAL REPORT - R.C.M.P.

This report covers operation of the Traffic Section "A" Division, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, from April 1, 1966 to March 3 J, 1967. Traffic patrols were maintained on driveways, in Gatineau Park and on other Commission properties in the Greenbelt and elsewhere.

As a result of infractions committed under the Commission Traffic and Property Regulations, there were 9,174 traffic violation tickets issued with convictions numbering 2,518.

The report also notes an increase in motor vehicle accidents of 15.20%, an increase of 13.46% in the number of persons injured. There were no fatalities as a result of these accidents. There was a marked decrease of 51.85% in damage to government property.

Fines and costs paid into Ottawa District courts as a result of conviction under the Traffic and Property Regulations totalled $46,376.25, almost equal to the amount paid last year

Close liaison and co-operation was maintained between Commission staff and the various police forces in the Ottawa-Hull area. There was an increase in traffic control duties, motor-cycle escorts and assistance to other police forces. Investigations of damage to Commission property other than by motor vehicles increased considerably in number during the year.